Page 12 of Doggy Style

Preston looks up at him. “Why are you giving her up?”

“I’m moving.” The owner stares at Preston. “Hey, aren’t you the dude who did that porno with that hot chick? You’re the man! Are you fucking this bitch, too? She’s fine as hell.”

I want to deck the guy. I even go as far as clenching my fist, but Preston holds me back. “Let me handle it.”

“Yeah, that was me. But the girl in the video wasn’t just some random ‘hot chick.’ She was my girlfriend, and I loved her. And not that it’s any of your business, but no, I am not hooking up with this beautiful woman. I’m here because I’m going to foster your dog, so she isn’t euthanized down at the shelter. Now apologize to Yessi for calling her a bitch, or I’ll beat the living shit out of you.”

Oh my god! Swoon!

Gidget’s owner shrugs. “Sorry, lady. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

I don’t accept his apology, or even bother acknowledging him.

Satisfied, Preston nods. “We’re done here.” He scoops Gidget up and cradles her to his chest, puts his other arm around my shoulders, and leads me to the truck, where he once again opens the door for me.

Situated inside the truck, Gidget curls up in my lap and gives me kisses.

Preston winks at me, and I want to crawl on his lap and kiss him.

I need to get away from Preston as soon as possible. I’m clearly not thinking straight, and the last thing I need is to go to his place to do a home check.

“Thanks for coming with me. I’m going to text the vet tech and see if she can open up the clinic and take Gidget tonight, so she can be vetted first thing in the morning. She needs a microchip. When they’re done, I can pick her up tomorrow, and we can do the home check then. Actually, Avril, the foster coordinator, usually does the home checks. I can have her arrange to deliver Gidget to you when Gidget’s ready.” Granted, Avril will probably fuck him, but unlike me, she won’t get attached. Avril doesn’t do relationships. Why can’t I be as cool as Avril?

“That won’t work. I head to Hawai’i in two days, so I want Gidget to acclimate to my place as soon as possible. Plus, there’s no reason for her to spend the night in the clinic if the vet won’t check her out until tomorrow. She can spend the night with me tonight, and I have a vet coming into the shop tomorrow, so I’ll bring her to work to get her checked out and get a microchip. I’ll pay for everything.”

Hawai’i? Is he going to the pet expo? I don’t want to ask. “You’re leaving town? So you can only foster her for two days?”

“I’m going to this pet expo. But don’t worry, my buddy Hugh is staying at my place when I’m gone. Gidget will be fine.”

Well, doesn’t he have it all figured out. I’m super jealous he’s going to the pet expo, but I’m not about to tell him that. And our rescue really can’t afford any more vet bills, so I’m glad he’s willing to pay for her medical care.

“Okay. Let’s go back to your store so I can get my car, and I’ll follow you back to your place.”

“There’s limited parking at my place because it’s on the beach.”

I roll my eyes. Of course, it’s on the beach.

“Fine. Can we at least grab some food on the way over? I’m starving.” And I am. I’ve barely eaten all day.

“Well, my offer still stands for you to join me for dinner. There’s this little Thai restaurant a block away from my place. We could eat there, or we could get take out if you want to get this dog home.”

Fine. I give up. “Thai’s fine. But I’m vegan, so I’ll order.”

“Great.”

He gives me the name of the place, and I peruse the menu on my phone. I call to order a few items, he tells me what to add for himself, and twenty minutes later, he runs inside the restaurant to get the food while I stay in the truck with Gidget. I pet her and rub her belly. Tears well in my eyes as I realize that she would’ve been killed tonight if I hadn’t intervened.

And if Preston hadn’t offered to foster her.

Maybe, he isn’t the enemy.

Moments later, he emerges from the place with a few bags. Then we take off in his truck, and he enters the parking garage for his place.

Right on the beach.

This is going to be some home check.